Chase Scanlan and Vancouver Warriors issue statements
Vancouver Warriors, Rogers Arena (Photo: Jordan Leigh)
Canadian news source CityNews has published a report on the Vancouver Warriors’ recent signing of Chase Scanlan, both player & team supplying them with statements regarding his troubled past and hopeful future.
In May of 2021, Scanlan was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and harassment after a domestic violence-related incident with his then girlfriend, who also made additional accusations against Scanlan in a statement to police. During that time, Scanlan, a second-year sophomore at Syracuse University, was suspended by the school.
Regarding his charges, CityNews provides an update on Scanlan’s current legal situation, the article adding, “Ultimately, Scanlan made a deal in April of this year to avoid a criminal conviction on the domestic violence-related charge if he stays clear of the law for another year.
“That process, known as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, is still underway — and technically criminal charges of mischief remain pending, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office. Beyond avoiding any legal problems, Scanlan’s deal to avoid conviction also contains a requirement not to contact his victim. He has also taken domestic violence prevention classes.”
A promising pro prospect, Scanlan went undrafted in the National Lacrosse League, but would later sign with the Western Lacrosse Association’s Langley Thunder after committing to bettering himself and following the court’s requirements. He is currently representing the team at the Mann Cup, Canada’s Senior A national championship.
Earlier this month, the Warriors signed Scanlan to a one-year contract. The move sparked significant outcry online, Thursday’s statements unlikely to simmer the social-media backlash.
Click here for a more in-depth recap of Scanlan’s past. Below, see the statements supplied to CityNews by Scanlan and the Warriors.
Chase Scanlan Statement
“I am 22 years old and I grew up on the Seneca Reserve in Western New York. I came from a large family with three brothers and six sisters. My parents broke up when I was very young. For years, I was without a father, and then when my papa came back into my life, I watched my parents continue to fight. I remember when the child services workers came to my school to ask me which parent I wanted to live with.
“A release for my family troubles was the game of lacrosse. I embraced it from the start and it is ingrained into our Iroquois culture. My grandfather makes traditional lacrosse sticks and when I was born, I was given one. I was grateful to get a high school lacrosse scholarship in Florida and later at the university level. I am currently living on the Squamish Nation reserve, and I have made many friends. I have been playing lacrosse locally with the Langley Thunder and I have grown to love the Vancouver region.
“I realized that, especially with my background, the college sports culture of excessive drinking was wrong for me, and that I needed to be a better person.
“Earlier this year, I gave up drinking, had counselling, and committed myself to be the best role model I can be, especially for First Nations youth. I am grateful to the Vancouver Warriors for their faith in me, and I hope that the passionate fans of the Warriors will allow me to prove myself, both on and off the field.”
Vancouver Warriors Statement
“[Scanlan] is fully aware of the degree to which the Warriors take seriously the issues and reports surrounding his previous conduct and the standard of conduct that will be expected of him. The players and employees of the Vancouver Warriors, with no exception, adhere to the highest standards of conduct.”